NHL power rankings: Final look before 2025-26 season concludes
It's the final week of the NHL season. The playoff picture is almost set, and we revisit our power rankings one final time during the 2025-26 regular season.
NHL power rankings: Final look before 2025-26 season concludes originally appeared on The Sporting News . Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here . The Stanley Cup Playoffs are just around the corner, with most teams having only two or three games remaining in the regular season.
As the schedule winds down, some playoff races are already decided, while others are going right down to the wire. The Detroit Red Wings made headlines Saturday night after a loss to the New Jersey Devils officially eliminated them from playoff contention, extending their post-season drought to ten straight seasons. The New York Islanders will also miss the playoffs despite a late-season push fueled by the breakout performance of young star Matthew Schaefer, which ultimately fell short.
In the Western Conference, two playoff spots are still up for grabs with the third seed in the Pacific Division and the final wild card position. The Anaheim Ducks currently hold the third spot, while the Los Angeles Kings sit in the second wild-card position. However, both teams are under pressure from chasing contenders, including the Nashville Predators , Winnipeg Jets , and San Jose Sharks .
Biggest Movers Vegas Golden Knights +10 (20th up to 10th), Ottawa Senators +9 (15th up to sixth) Biggest Fallers: New York Islanders -10 (10th down to 20th), Columbus Blue Jackets -7 (11th down to 18th) 1. Colorado Avalanche (52-16-11, Previous Ranking: 1) Although it was a mixed week for Colorado with two wins and two losses, the Avalanche clinched the President’s Trophy as the league’s best team during the regular season. They will look to rest up over their final three games before the playoffs.
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